The birthday of the great freedom fighter Lala Lajpat Rai is celebrated on 28th January. He is known as “Punjab Kesari” or the “Lion of Punjab.”
Lala Lajpat Rai: Biography of Punjab Kesari
- Birthplace: Lala Lajpat Rai was born on 28th January 1865 in the village of Dhudike in Punjab, into a Jain family. His parents were Munshi Radha Kishan Agarwal and Gulab Devi Agarwal.
- Education: Rai received his early education in Rewari, Punjab. His father was a teacher in a government school, and his mother was a religiously inclined woman who greatly inspired him.
- Higher Education: In 1880, he began studying law at Government College in Lahore, where he was influenced by the Arya Samaj movement.
- Death: He passed away on 17th November 1928 due to injuries sustained during a police baton charge in opposition to the Simon Commission. His famous words, “The blows on my body today will be the last nail in the coffin of British rule,” became an inspiring slogan of the freedom struggle.
Contribution to the Indian National Movement
- ‘Lal, Bal, Pal’ Trio: Along with Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal, he promoted the Swadeshi movement and the Home Rule movement.
- Swadeshi Movement: He played a key role in the mass movement against the first partition of Bengal in 1905.
- Opposition to the Rowlatt Act and Jallianwala Bagh Massacre: Rai openly opposed these British policies.
- Leadership in the Indian National Congress: In 1920, as the President of the Congress, he led the Non-Cooperation Movement.
- Opposition to the Simon Commission: In 1928, he proposed a boycott of the Simon Commission as it did not include any Indian members.
Lala Lajpat Rai and His Organizations
- Hindu Relief Movement (1897): Initiated to provide assistance to the victims of famine.
- Dayanand Anglo-Vedic School: He contributed to the establishment of this school in Lahore, promoting national education.
- Punjab National Bank: Established in 1894, this symbolizes his role in economic reforms.
- Servants of People Society (1921): This society exemplifies his commitment to social service.
- Indian Home Rule League of America (1917): While residing in the USA, he campaigned for India’s independence.
Contribution to Workers’ Movements and Labor Rights
- All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC): He played a significant role in the establishment of India’s first national workers’ organization in 1920.
- First President: As the first president of AITUC, he voiced the rights of workers and advocated for better working conditions.
Literary Contributions of Lala Lajpat Rai
He established the Arya Gazette and contributed to the following books and articles:
- Young India
- England’s Debt to India
- Evolution of Japan
- India’s Will to Freedom
- Message of Bhagavad Gita
- Political Future of India
- United States of America (Travelogue)
Philosophy and Ideology of Lala Lajpat Rai
- Philosophical Thought: His philosophy was based on nationalism, Hindu reformism, and self-reliance.
- Influence of Arya Samaj: His thinking was deeply influenced by the Arya Samaj movement, which emphasized social reform.
Conclusion
The life of Lala Lajpat Rai symbolizes courageous leadership, literary contributions, and an unwavering dedication to India’s freedom. His birth anniversary provides us with an opportunity to remember his sacrifices and inspiring thoughts. His life continues to guide the path of India’s independence and progress.
Also Read:
- Indian Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Dies Aged 92
- An Inspiring Life Journey of Sir Ratan Tata
